Ontario has announced their new plan to improve students’ math and reading skills in the wake of COVID-19, backed by an investment of about $180-million.
For the 2023-2024 school year, more than $109-million will be put towards a new literacy plan while the remaining $71-million will support education in mathematics.
The Ministry of Education believes these changes will raise standards for students and educators, ensure consistency, and better equip young people with “life, job, and critical thinking skills” that will be useful for years to come.
“We are getting back to the basics, because that’s what matters most when it comes to students’ skills with reading, writing and math,” said Minister of Education Stephen Lecce. “I am proud to unveil Ontario’s plan to boost literacy and math skills, designed to deliver better schools, jobs and outcomes for students. This plan will up our game and send a signal across the province: we will do better to improve the skills that actually matter to the success of your child, from the classroom to the workforce.”
In an effort to boost literacy rates across the province, Ontario says an additional 700 educators will be brought to improve students’ reading and writing. More specialist teachers will be available to work one-on-one or in small groups with children who need additional support, according to the province.
On top of increased manpower, an updated language curriculum will be introduced in September 2023 with a focus on getting young students to master basic literacy. New reading screening requirements will also be implemented for students from senior kindergarten to grade 2 to help educators with early interventions and building foundational skills.
On the math side, the plan is to invest in more than 300 additional educators and double the number of school math coaches who provide extra support in the classroom. New teachers will have costs covered for math qualification courses to enhance their own fluency and competency in the subject.
Each school board will have a designated “math lead” who will ensure the curriculum is properly implemented and that educators receive adequate training and support in the classroom.
Finally, more virtual tools will be made available to students and parents, including digital math tools that can be accessed anytime and online teacher-led tutoring sessions.
These changes will complement the “modernized” math curriculum that was recently introduced throughout Ontario, which requires financial literacy and coding be covered in every grade.
“This investment is an investment in our kids’ futures. Supporting them to develop strong, life-long skills in important areas like reading, writing and math will set our kids up for success in the long run,” said Patrice Barnes, parliamentary assistant to the minister of education.
Read original story from Midwestern Ontario News – BlackburnNews.com